Berlin [Germany], January 18: British intelligence's Colossus digital computer helped crack Nazi codes during World War 2, so important that it was kept secret for decades.
Reuters reported that the British Signals Intelligence Agency on January 18 celebrated the 80th anniversary of Colossus , the code-breaking computer that helped defeat Nazi Germany and was so important that it was kept secret for decades.
In 1944, the world 's first digital computer , Colossus, decoded Nazi messages, convincing Allied forces that their year-long plan to deceive Hitler about the location of the attack was successful.
During preparations for the landings on the French coast, a turning point in World War 2, Colossus played a key role in the rear and is credited by many experts with helping shorten the war.
With a 2-meter high frame structure, Colossus processes information fastest than before, helping to reduce message decoding time from weeks to just a few hours. However, it was not until the early 2000s that its existence was revealed.
Now, 80 years have passed, and the British signals intelligence agency has released a series of never-before-seen images and sounds to mark its anniversary.
"Technological innovation is always at the heart of our work at GCHQ and Colossus is a perfect example of how our staff help us stay at the forefront of new technology, even when we can't speak about it," according to GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler.
Colossus was still used by intelligence agencies in the early 1960s, developed by expert Tommy Flowers.
The newly released images feature Colossus' design and a photo of the staff in action. In fact, many engineers and employees have worked but do not know what this device is used for.
The Colossus computer was brought to Bletchley Park on January 18, 1944, then the headquarters of GCHQ's predecessor. By the time the war ended, there were 10 operating computers .
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
